Hawthorn berries are actually wrinkled, brown-to-red pomes. They are heart-healthy herbs filled with powerful flavonoids and procyanides. The entire berries are used after being dried, crushed and/or powdered. They are more commonly used in tinctures than in teas or capsules.

Hawthorn berries are a mild heart tonic that are classified as all of the following:

• Anti-spasmodic;
• Cardiac enhancer;
• Diuretic;
• Sedative;
• Tonic;
• Vasodilator;

You can use Hawthorn berries for their traditional reputation as a hypotensive heart tonic. They act to help those afflicted with weak hearts combined with hypertension. They are also beneficial when used to treat heart muscles weakened by the general aging process. In addition, hawthorn berries are used for:

• Enhances metabolism and helps the heart utilize oxygen;
  
• Helps lower blood pressure;
• Useful for angina, arteriosclerosis, congestive heart failure;
  
• Reduces cholesterol deposits on artery walls;
  
• Relief from irritable bowel syndrome;
• Relief of constipation;
• Treatment for gas and colitis diarrhea;
• Crohn's Disease relief;
• Various conditions that cause rectal bleeding;

Make a tea from Hawthorn berries by simmering a teaspoon of berries in a cup of water. Using too much may cause mild diarrhea.